Issues: Crime

The New York State Senate today passed legislation that creates new penalties for individuals supervising another driver while also under the influence of drugs or alcohol, also known as Abbagail’s Law (S.164C). The bill, sponsored by Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), is named after eight-year-old Abbagail Buzard, who died in a car accident caused by an inexperienced driver who was supervised by a parent under the influence of alcohol.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), to create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers. “Wrong-way drivers have caused tragedies and endangered lives on our roadways; it has to stop. Creating felony charges for wrong-way and reckless drivers will give law enforcement another tool to prosecute these individuals and get them off the roads,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

The Queens Courier wrote an article about the Department of Justice's $4.8 million settlement with Morgan Stanley for their illegal pricing scheme, which cost ratepayers roughly $300 million. Senator Gianaris and other local politicians are pushing the Dept. of Justice to increase the fine, arguing that the current settlement is unacceptable and would allow Morgan Stanley to keep millions in profit.

Local elected officials are expending “energy” to ensure Morgan Stanley doesn’t get a quick “fix” to its illegal pricing ploy.

State Senator Patty Ritchie today hailed the Senate’s passage of “Abbagail’s Law,” a measure she co-sponsored to close a bizarre legal loophole that lets drunk drivers hitch a ride in a car operated by someone with only a Learner’s Permit.

An editorial by Queens Tribune talks about the State Liquor Authority's denial of the Gypsy Rose strip club's liquor license application, which was a favorable result for Long Island City community members. According to Senator Gianaris, the type of person and business that adult establishments tend to attract are not welcome in Long Island City.

The community spoke and its voice was heard by the State Liquor Authority, who denied the 21 Group Inc.’s application for a liquor license for the Gypsy Rose establishment in Long Island City during a hearing Jan. 18 in Manhattan.

The Queens Chronicle investigates the alleged prixe-fixing scheme employed by Morgan Stanley and KeySpan that overcharged New Yorkers for electrictity while garnering Morgan Stanley and KeySpan $21.6 million. Senator Gianaris believes that the Department of Justice's recommended fine of $4.8 million is inadequate.

A price-fixing scheme allegedly concocted by Morgan Stanley and KeySpan, and involving Astoria Generating Co., may have overcharged New Yorkers for electricity while garnering Morgan Stanley and KeySpan millions, according to published reports and two area politicians outraged at the scheme: Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) and state Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria).

The New York Post wrote an article about community leaders from Queens who are complaining that a $4.8 million fine issued to Morgan Stanley for a price-fixing scheme is not enough. Senator Gianaris feels that such an insignificant fine would continue to permit the bank to reap the benefits of its illicit profits.

Two local lawmakers have asked a judge to pull the plug on a deal that leaves victims of a huge electricity price-fixing scheme out in the cold.

State Sen. Michael Gianaris and City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., both Queens Democrats, wrote Manhattan federal Judge William Pauley asking him to order Morgan Stanley to refund millions of dollars to Con Ed customers.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to increase penalties for unlawful high-speed car racing which has caused numerous accidents across the state, including the deaths of a 17-year-old Staten Island girl and a 5-year-old Queens boy. Michelle and Jordan’s Law (S.2938A) is sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza (R-I, Staten Island) and stems from tragic crashes involving suspected drag racing at excessive speeds.

Hundreds of Bronx residents are expected to attend tonight’s 2nd Anti-Crime Forum in the Parkchester area of the Bronx.

This anti-crime forum, which has been coordinated and sponsored by State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and Mr. Luis Sepulveda, Esq., a community leader, will take place tonight, Thursday, January 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church located at 1700 Purdy Street between Metropolitan Avenue and East Tremont Avenue in Bronx County.

An article written by the Queens Gazette looks into the new legislation proposed by Senator Gianaris, which would expand on current New York Good Samaritan laws in order to protect local businesses and non-profits from being held liable for damages or injuries that could occur while helping a victim.

Continuing his fight to ensure safety in the neighborhood, state Senator Michael Gianaris announced he has introduced new legislation expanding New York’s Good Samaritan laws.

The legislation would protect local businesses and non-profits offering themselves as safe havens from being held liable for damages or injuries that may have occurred while helping a victim.

Sunnyside Post reports on Senator Gianaris’ introduction of new legislation that expands on New York’s Good Samaritan laws. The new bill extends liability protection to local business and non-profits acting as safe havens for individuals who feel unsafe.

CBS New York wrote this article that talks about the appeal by local officials to expand New York’s Good Samaritan laws. Senator Gianaris feels that strengthening the law will be effective in preventing crime.

Queens, NY – Continuing their efforts to protect energy ratepayers, Senator Michael Gianaris and Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr. are pushing a federal judge to reject the proposed settlement for an illegal price-fixing case involving Morgan Stanley and two western Queens power plants that caused ratepayers to lose nearly $300 million in two years.

On a day celebrating a new year, four bombings occurred in Southeast Queens causing extensive property damage to one home, but fortunately no lives were lost. The arson attacks were committed by using Molotov cocktails on the Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center, a bodega on Hillside Avenue and two homes; all of which took place within miles of each other in Jamaica, Queens.

Imagine that someone is following you, texting and e-mailing you, and you are afraid – you don’t feel safe. More than 3.4 million Americans a year are victims of stalking, a dangerous crime that can happen to anyone.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to mobilize against this dangerous crime. This year’s theme, “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.,” calls our nation to stop this crime by learning more about it. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact.

Review Cites Progress For New York On Taxpayer Protection, Public Safety, Economic Justice, Public Integrity, Civil Rights & Environmental Protection

The Office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued an end-of-the-year review detailing many of its accomplishments in areas including public safety, economic justice, taxpayer protection, public integrity, civil rights and environmental protection.